It happens to the best of us. We arrive extra early at the airport and make a smooth move through security only to find out that we've been bumped.
With airlines overselling seats and
operating fewer flights, getting bumped is more likely than ever. Here
are some great tips to help you realize your rights as a traveler.
- Airlines must ask for volunteers first, before bumping passengers against their will
- Passengers who are bumped against their will must be compensated
- Bumped from a domestic flight? The airline must pay the price of a one-way ticket up to $400 cash if you are rescheduled to reach your destination between one and two hours of the original arrival time. (maximum become $800 if it takes longer)
- Volunteers who have some time to spare should haggle on flights that are late afternoon/evening --the most popular with business travelers. It's smarter to start haggling closer to departure time because there is more pressure.
- Do realize that the airline is under no obligation to put bumped passengers up in a hotel, if the stay is overnight. If you are going to request a hotel stay, it's better to ask nicely and privately than start screaming at the ticket agents.
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